Court reporters are people who transcribe spoken words verbatim to written text. This means that they need to type fast to accurately record the proceedings and actions of a court case or other event. Some court reporters type using a regular keyboard, but many use a stenographic machine. Stenographic Machine allows them to transcribe dialogue in real-time very quickly. In this article, we’ll detail how a stenographic machine works and how do court reporters write so fast with the help of stenographic machines.
What Is A Stenographic Machine?
A stenographic machine is a set of keys and a roller. The stenographer connects the roller to the machine and rolls it across the keys while typing. They simultaneously record the typing on film. The stenographer then replaces the roller with a fresh one.
There are many different machines, but each has an identical roller and keys layout. The stenographic machine also has a keyboard, which is precisely the same size as a regular keyboard.
However, instead of using letters and numbers on keys, the stenographer uses punctuation symbols such as commas and question marks. The stenographer quickly identifies each punctuation symbol marked on the roller and film with its symbol.
How Do Court Reporters To Write So Fast Using A Stenographic Machine?
Court reporters in Miami, FL, are trained to stand next to the stenographer during the court case or event and listen for dialogue. The stenographer then types the words as the speaker speaks them.
Since a stenographic machine is a keystroke, not a letter, this means that typing speed is irrelevant.
What counts is how quickly you turn and press each key?
How many spaces (or characters) you can
per second with accuracy.
The type of stenographic machine used and the level of training greatly influence the writing speed of a court reporter. Even then, they can only transcribe speech at about 220 words per minute (wpm). However, with the proper training, a court reporter can reach speeds of up to 400 wpm.
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How Do Court Reporters Type And Write So Fast Using A Stenographic Machine?
The most common stenographic machines are called “2- and 3-roll” machines. The reason for the two rolls is that some words are commonly used in court reports, such as articles, prepositions, and contractions. Court Reporters can reuse these in various sentences and type them very quickly using a typewriter or computer keyboard.
This means that the court reporters can type faster if they don’t use these familiar words. However, with 2-roll machines, it is possible to type even faster by using techniques such as “double typing.” Double typing involves typing two sets of the same word using one hand.
Starting with the left hand, type the word slowly once. Then, using your right hand, try to type it even faster than you did with your left. The trick is to learn which words can be double-typed and which words can’t. Also, ensure that the stenographic machine can still read all of them correctly.
How Can You Become A Court Reporter?
Court reporting is a very niche profession, and it will only be possible for you to become a court reporter if you have the proper training. There are several courses available both on the Internet and in brick-and-mortar court reporting schools. The best way to determine the most suitable course is to search “court reporting” in your local area or visit your local trade association.
The cost of these courses varies from region to region. In the U.S., most courses are priced in the region of $3,000 to $5,000, with some available for free or very cheap. Suppose you’re still interested in becoming a court reporter after reading this article. In that case, we recommend that you look at your local court reporting association or search for more information on court reporting on the Internet before taking any courses.
Do Court Reporters Use Shorthand?
The short answer is, “Yes.”
Many Court reporters use shorthand as part of their job to write so fast.
This means that they write notes on a piece of paper rather than just transcribing the dialogue verbatim.
However, not many court reporters use shorthand for large parts of their job. Since it is not accurate enough to be used in court proceedings.
Furthermore, mastering shorthand correctly proves to be complicated. Most stenographers have not received proper instruction on how to do this.
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How To Read Stenography?
Reading stenography isn’t as easy as reading standard text since the letters change depending on where they are in a word. However, it is possible to learn how to read stenography without much difficulty with a little bit of practice.
The best method to learn how to read stenography is to start by typing and re-typing some common words. It’s also advisable for you to look up some online resources to help you with the different punctuation symbols your stenographic machine uses most often.
Additionally, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with shorthand for dialogue that is often said in a courtroom. Court reporters will often abbreviate common phrases used by lawyers, jurors, and judges as a way to improve their writing speed and efficiency.
Still, these abbreviations might not make much sense to those with minimal experience in stenography. There are some valuable resources online, and the best people you can learn from are those who have done it or are currently still doing it as their profession.
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Final Thoughts
Stenographers are a special breed; they work in a niche profession and can type at approximately 200 words per minute or more. This is no easy feat, and it all comes down to years of practice and dedication.
If you’re engaged in becoming one of the court reporters, we recommend doing some research before attending any courses to write fast. And remember: the only way to get better is by practicing regularly!
If you want to improve your writing ability, a stenographic machine might be a bit too much of an investment. Also, it won’t likely be realistic for the writing you’ll likely be doing.
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Featured Photo by Sora Shimazaki